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Good question! It has been shown that cats do, indeed have their ways of speaking to you. All you have to do is to learn cat. In the past, people thought that cats were just cats, arrogant and independent. Like their brothers and sisters in the wild, it was thought that they hunted, bathed themselves and slept; then they would wake and start this process all over again. A cat would only grace us with their company when they wanted something, like food. They were good for hunting and killing mice, but not much more .
Pretty dull existence, huh? However, experts have found that all cats do not have just one cookie-cutter personality. Like dogs, they each have their own personality, their needs and desires, and each communicates what is going through their heads differently. Recently, those who have studied the cat-human communication have found that there is a “language” used by cats. If you watch and listen to your cat, the bond your bond with him will become even tighter than before. These examples are just general ways that a cat might communicate. more

Purring as a way of cat communication

First, I want to make it clear that when a cat purrs, it does not always mean they are contented. While, it’s true that this is sometimes the case , there are times when purring means something altogether different. When your cat purrs, watch him. Look at his stance. Are his muscles tense? Is his hair standing on end? Are his eyes dilated and ears back? Most likely, this is a sign of anger and sometimes anger will be accompanied by purring. Another reason for communication by purring is that he is sick and is trying to heal himself. Several year ago, I was seriously ill. I had two cats and, each taking turns, they would lay beside, purring to comfort me.

It’s all in the tail

Other ways of cat-speak is in the tail. That’s right, I said tail. Have you ever noticed how your cat’s tail moves? That is him trying to speak to you (and to other cats). Different ways of cat-communication are, as they say, all in the tail. Cats quite often use their tails to tell you what they want. If it’s erect and the fur is laying down flat and still, he’s happy, alert, and/or inquisitive. He is comfortable in his territory. If the fur on the tail is bushy, he is angry or afraid. Like a dog, if the tail is held low and between the legs, he is anxious or insecure. If it is thrashing to and fro, he is agitated; leave him alone. The more agitated he gets, the more chances that he will scratch or bite you, or both. If the tail is straight up and quivering, it be one of two things; either he is excited or, if he/she is not neutered/spayed, the cat is likely spraying. more

Eyes

Watch the eyes. The cat uses them to communicate a host of feelings. These are a few ways you can know what your he is trying to tell you. If pupils aren’t dilated, it is normally a sign of contentment. If the pupils become dilated, it can mean that he is angry or terrified. Keep your “eye” on the tail for further clues.

Body

There are a few things you need to know about the body communication. If it’s arched with fur standing on end, he may be scared or angry, but if it is arched and the fur is flat, he is telling you that he wants a pet from you. Laying on his back means he is relaxed. It is also a sign of trust, especially when he allows you to rub his belly. If he is hunched down, with his hind haunches quivering, look out. He might be getting ready to strike, in either anger or play. Again, watch that tail.

There are, of course, many other ways your cat speaks to you, and we will cover them in later posts.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a cat behaviorist, vet, or an expert of any kind. Therefore, I can only claim that the statements made in this blog are based on my personal New Nresearch and my 20 years of experience as a cat guardian only.

A cat’s tail has, on the average has 20 to 25 vertebrae. Of course, with different cat breeds, the amount varies. Before discussing the specifics, we first need to mention the different tail types. More info

The curly tail (or Ringtailed)

not to be confused with the American Curl (ears curl black). The cat’s tail is usually looped over back or, like Everest (above), it curls up toward the rest of his back. Thank you Messy Beast

The Manx

often times, people will think that a Manx has no tail (above) but as you can see below, they can have a bit of a tail (below).

The Manx has four classifications: “Rumpies”, “Rumpy-Risers”, “Stumpies”, and “Longies”. The tailless gene can cause health problems.

The American Bob-tails

As you can see, the American Bobtail are similar to the Manx. While the Manx are an older breed from The Isle of Man, the American Bobtail is a relatively young breed, dating back in the 1960. The breed came from mating a domestic short-haired tabby with a Siamese.

The Corkscrew Tail

This tail has a definite curl, like a corkscrew (shown in comparison to a regular tail above)

The Kinked Tail

DISCLAIMER: I am not a cat behaviorist, vet, or an expert of any kind. Therefore, I can only claim that the statements made in this blog are based on my personal research and my 20 years of experience as a cat guardian only.

This beautiful kitten is KeeKee and she will be helping to make her lucky guardian happy. As you can see, she is kickin’ back and adoring the photographer. Enough of that. Here we go for the tips:

The first thing to know is the cat’s “Love Language”. This isn’t very hard. Anyone can do it. Ready for this: it is what they call “The Slow Blink”. Get down to your cats level and blink very slowly. Do it again…and again, until he returns that seductive blink.

Body Language: we all have body language; you know, like when a person leans towards the speaker, it means that whoever is talking has the full attention of the listener, whereas leaning back with their arms crossed in front of them generally means that the listener is turned off by the speaker or he might not agree with what he is hearing. Well, believe it or not, your cat speaks with his own special language. He says volumes with the position of his tail. (We will hit this topic next time.) more on tails

The way that cats greet other cats is by bumping noses. You can replicate this by, again, crouching down to his level, curling your index finger and slowly reach out and gently touch his nose.

. One thing I do when my cat, who is a 25 lb. bruiser, sits on me, is to say, in a stern voice, “Ow”, and he gets off of me. Now granted, this may not work the first time you try it, but don’t give up.

Cats are smart animals and they catch on fast, as long as you speak their language.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a cat behaviorist, vet, or an expert of any kind. Therefore, I can only claim that the statements made in this blog are based on my personal research and my 20 years of experience as a cat guardian only.

“All cats are independent and don’t care if you are there or not.” I hear this from people all the time.

Another is, “All cats don’t show love and they have minds of their own so you can’t get them to do what you want to.”

Both of these statements are true…sometimes. I happen to know that cats can and do show love; and some are even dependent on their person…if they deem that person is worthy.

Why, my cats even mind! I have taught them the “go” when I’m in the kitchen. (There is nothing worse that to have a cat under foot.) I have also taught them to “get out of my way” and to “come” (although they are still working on that one). Yes, I believe that cats will love, mind and even worship their person, just like a dog…well almost.

What made me a cat person you may ask? I’m glad you asked. When I moved into my new home, I wanted someone with whom I could share my life. I really wanted a dog, after all, I had always had dogs. But, alas I didn’t have a fenced-in yard for a dog to play in. So, reluctantly, I adopted a cat.

I found myself adopting another to keep the first one , Monkeyface, company. People would ask me about cats, their behavioral problems, etc. I did a lot of research on cats so I gave them the best information that I knew. Pretty soon, I heard someone refer to me as ‘cat lady’. A name of which I am very proud.

Now, understand that I’m no expert. I just know how my cats behave (or not). All I know is that cats have had a bad rep handed to them.

All cats are not alike. They, just like dogs, have their own personalities, all are special in their own way. You cat people know what I mean!

In this blog, I will show how cats make a wonderful, loving pet. I will show you pictures that will melt your heart, and provide article and a few stories. Feel free to send things that you want to share.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a cat behaviorist, vet, or an expert of any kind. Therefore, I can only claim that the statements made in this blog are based on my personal research and my 20 years of experience as a cat guardian only.